This was my second year participating in the Canadian Running Series Vancouver Eastside 10km. The last time I participated was back in 2015 when I was secretly 14 or 15 weeks pregnant. I stopped to use every loo on the course,and a 1:22 finish. This year was my year for redemption, and redemption I got! Read on for my race recap.
This year Adrian and I went head-to-head, or should I say stride, to stride. 😉 He is still claiming not to be a runner but between his competitive starts, and his increased speed and performance, I am going to have to disagree. I am also going to have to admit that there could come a day when he might beat me…….MAYBE.
But lets get down to business,; The Under Armour Vancouver Eastside 10k, is part of the Canada Running Series. This is a 10k race through the historic east side of Vancouver, the race goes through parts of Gastown, Chinatown, and East Vancouver. This race was recognized by Get Out There magazine as Western Canada’s best race in 2013. It boasts a fairly fast road course, and regularly attracts a pretty stacked field of runners
The Route
The route includes Gastown and Strathcona. runners can expect a heritage/industrial feel to and area that is rarely closed off to traffic. It’s a contrast to some of the more common Vancouver seawall race routes, giving runners some new looks to consider.
The route has changed since we did it back in 2015. In 2018 they changed the route, apparently due to road closures and construction. The new route seems to focus less in the “Downtown core,” and instead branches out East.
Runners start and finish on Cordova St beside the Woodward’s Development. After heading west, runners will turn back onto Water St through Gastown, continuing on Alexander St to Gore Ave. The route circles Oppenheimer Park, then follows Alexander St under Heatley Ave and onto the Powell St overpass. Runners continue on Powell St up to Dundas St, then climb Templeton Dr up to circle Pandora Park before returning down Dundas St and back onto Powell St. The route continues onto Alexander St and then drops down to Railway St before returning to Gastown on Alexander St. Runners turn up Columbia St onto Powell St, then take Carrall St to Cordova St to finish back at the Woodward’s building.
The Hardware
This years finishers shirt was quality; an Under Armour technical T, with minimalist design. I even wore it on race day, and I never do that. The medals complemented the T-shirts nicely, I like the black and gold contrast.
Final Deets
This year I had the honour of representing Oasis Canada as part of #TeamOasis. I am happy to report that I completed the race in a solid 54:34. crushing my last race time and successfully redeeming myself.
We managed to get lucky with the weather, and the rain held off. The new and Improved course was both challenging and enjoyable, and yes, I would do it again.
How about you, did you participate, I would love to hear your experience.
O
